James Woods Slams Network Amid Major Job Cuts [WATCH]

CNN is preparing to lay off “hundreds” of employees as early as the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second administration, according to reports.

The announcement is expected to come from CNN CEO Mark Thompson during a staff meeting on Thursday morning.

This follows a report by Puck and additional confirmation from CNBC that the layoffs will not impact CNN’s most recognizable on-air personalities, who remain under contract.

CNBC reports today that CNN will be laying off “hundreds” of its 3,500 employees later this week, as the network struggles to make money following the 2024 election.

Buh-bye! pic.twitter.com/8lhjUxwkds

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 22, 2025

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

The news of the impending cuts adds to a series of challenges for the network.

Fox News Digital previously reported in November that significant layoffs were expected by March, with sources describing the anticipated impact as “very meaningful.”

HOLY COW!!! Congressman Tim Burchett just ended CNN live on air.

Jim Acosta: “This is CNN. This is the news.”

Burchett: “And that’s why more people are watching the cartoon network, Spongebob reruns right now.”

Well done, Congressman. pic.twitter.com/nIsv6iEod8

— George (@BehizyTweets) January 22, 2025

The announcement has reportedly left CNN employees feeling uneasy about the future of the network.

“I am overall very sad and deeply frustrated,” a longtime CNN staffer told Fox News Digital.

“Feelings which are pervasive throughout the organization among those who have been here a long time and feel a deep personal connection to having helped build the organization.”

Another employee expressed concern about the company’s future under CEO Mark Thompson, who has been in the role for just over a year.

Thompson has been vocal about the need for substantial changes to keep CNN afloat in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

“I am worried because the industry is obviously in trouble… I’m sure there will be cuts,” the second staffer shared.

The employee speculated that CNN might consolidate more of its production operations in Atlanta, potentially at the expense of higher-cost shows currently produced in New York City.

CNN’s financial woes have become increasingly evident. Forensic economist Robert W. Johnson testified during a recent legal case that CNN’s valuation plummeted from $4.4 billion in 2021 to $2.3 billion in 2023, based on tax documents provided by the network.

Additionally, the company’s revenue declined from $2.2 billion in 2021 to $1.8 billion in 2023, with net income falling from $600 million to $400 million over the same period.

The lying lackeys of the liberal left are dropping like flies.

Good riddance. https://t.co/R1YRWNUV3k

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 23, 2025

The legal troubles stemmed from a defamation lawsuit involving a Navy veteran, which culminated in a jury finding CNN liable and approving punitive damages.

The case was ultimately resolved through a settlement, further highlighting the network’s challenges.

CNN’s layoffs come amidst broader industry-wide upheaval as legacy media outlets face declining revenues, changing viewer habits, and increasing competition from digital platforms.

A CNN staffer described the current situation as “a time of complete and utter business model overhaul and chaos,” emphasizing the difficulty of navigating such changes, even under optimal conditions.

Thompson’s strategy reportedly includes streamlining operations and cutting costs, which could lead to additional restructuring at the network.

Insiders anticipate that more shows may be centralized in Atlanta, while high-cost productions in New York City could face reductions.

As CNN braces for these significant layoffs, its future remains uncertain.

The network’s financial struggles and need for a sustainable business model signal a challenging road ahead.

The planned cuts are likely just one piece of the broader restructuring effort as CNN attempts to adapt to a rapidly shifting media landscape.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.